Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of arrests, detentions and harassment of individuals in Kano State for criticising Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
In a statement, the rights group alleged that several critics of the governor were either arrested or “invited” for questioning, particularly by the Department of State Services (DSS), creating what it termed a “toxic climate of fear” that threatens freedom of expression.
Amnesty International said cases it recently documented point to what it characterised as abuse of power and manipulation of law enforcement mechanisms that are shrinking civic space in the state.
Among the cases cited is that of Abba Ibrahim Hussain, who was allegedly arrested by armed DSS personnel at his residence in Kano on Sunday over comments critical of the governor. According to the organisation, Hussain remains in detention and risks missing ongoing examinations at Northwest University, where he is studying law.
The group also referenced the detention of Aminu Warkal, described as a social media influencer and government critic, who was reportedly held for five hours over allegations of “cyberbullying” the governor.
Similarly, Samir Hanga was said to have been subjected to what Amnesty termed an intimidating DSS “invitation” for questioning over his comments, and was released after interrogation.
In another case, Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda was allegedly arrested two weeks ago and compelled to withdraw criticism of the governor, while Saifullahi Abubakar was said to have been detained over a TikTok skit satirising the state’s chief executive.
Amnesty International maintained that satire and criticism of public officials are protected forms of expression in a democratic society and should not attract criminal sanctions.
The organisation warned that the increasing use of security agencies to respond to dissent risks undermining constitutional guarantees and democratic norms. It noted that while social media has become a prominent platform for political commentary in Nigeria, critics in Kano State appear to face growing threats of intimidation and detention.
Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to respect, protect and uphold the right to freedom of expression, stressing that no public official is above scrutiny in a constitutional democracy.
